Wrapped up a handful of little things on this car and cleared the driveway for a little photoshoot followed by a nice drive with the targa off....It's kind of a bear to handle, especially compared to the smaller t-tops on the trans am, but it does feel more open without the "t" bar.
I've been driving the two (the Vette and the 85 Trans Am) recently and figured I'd share some thoughts on how two of GM's performance cars from the same year compare...I really like the L98 5.7L engine with it's TPI (Tuned Port Injection), instant starting and quicker response compared with the old 4bbl carb 5.0L in the Trans Am, as a result the Vette feels a little more modern; though starting in 87 you could get the L98 in the Trans Am (or Camaro) and there was a TPI equipped 5.0L available in 85+. They both use the same 700R4 transmission, but the Vette uses a different servo that makes the shifts a little firmer - it's nice when you're ripping on it, but a little annoying when you're just cruising.
Obviously the Vette has significantly more power (240hp I think) vs. the carbed 5.0L in the Trans Am (which I think was only rated for like 190hp), and it feels much faster. In the case of my two particular cars, the Vette is also much louder with the big Borla mufflers on it vs. the T/A's stock single muffler dual outlet system. Surprisingly though, despite better response from the Vette's fuel injection, the Trans Am's motor feels a little 'smoother' when you're cruising along.
Both cars are equipped with GM's factory performance/competition suspension (Z51 in the Vette and WS6 in the Trans Am). As a result both have quick ratio steering which makes the turn-in super sharp (can kinda catch you off guard). The Vette though is really setup for handling and won't even fuss at anything you can do (safely) on the road. The Trans Am gets sloppy by comparison, as expected. That said, the Z51 Vette is super harsh...so unless you're using it's capability regularly, I'd rather have the Trans Am's softer, more refined and relaxed ride quality.
Interior wise the Trans Am is shocking miles better....In the Vette, everything you touch feels cheap and flimsy. I do love the digital gauges, the seats are really comfortable (well padded and bolstered) and it has a few more features that the T/A lacks (power locks, power seats). I don't like how you need to unbolt the targa top vs. the Tran Am which has a simple latch. The Trans Am is much more spacious inside, but also feels better built, it's still 1980's GM, but it's sturdier and has better fit/finish than the Vette.
Bottom line, two very different cars despite sharing (sorta) drivetrains. The Vette would be better suited to the weekend warrior types; autocrossers, track-day guys, or the guys who wake up real early on Sunday morning to go ripping through the backroads. The Trans Am is a much better cruiser, softer, bit more refined, you can (and I have) easily roadtrip for days in the T/A and not be irritated, whereas the Vette I'd be done in 2-hours.
Anyway, one of my biggest motivations for doing this car was to get some photos with Firm Jr. and his (my old) C4 PowerWheels. That happened today and it was definitely all worth it.
The car itself cleaned up really well too, could probably use a little more detailing time in the engine bay, and I might do more on it later in the summer.
